29 December Independent Herald

What a year, 2022!

By Jacob Page

It has been another big year for communities in North Wellington as people businesses continued to adjust to a new normal with Covid-19 still lurking. There was plenty of success and community spirit to celebrate. The Independent Herald looks back at another busy year.

Chris Fleming and his Dad, Alan, found a large steel nut from the No 2 Gun, while exploring the area one day in 1960, long after the area had been decommissioned after WWII.

The Year started with concern over the long-term viability of Khandallah Pool, something that would be resolved by the end pf the year.

Ohariu MP, Greg O’Connor was named Deputy Speaker of the House.

Grenada welcomed the opening of the NZ Post Super Depot.

Newlands firefighter Andrew Knox was given an Australian National Emergency medal for his efforts during the 2020 Australian Bushfires.

Overwhelming knowledge of the property market and commitment.

STEVE FEJOS

North Wellington’s people shine in busy 2022

JANUARY

The Year started with concern over the long-term viability of Khandallah Pool, something that would be resolved by the end pf the year.

Wilton’s Nick Perrin received a Queen’s Service Medal for his four decades of research at the Bolton St Cemetery.

Dr Arapera Royal Tangaere was also honoured for championing M ri and early childhood education for many decades.

Bronwyn Hayward was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her continued advocacy for the disabled community.

After a couple of delays due to Covid-19, the centenary of Khandallah Park was celebrated.

Wellington North Rotary gave out 18 scholarships to help fund the dreams of young North Wellingyonians.

FEBRUARY

Wellington City Councillors agreed to give the 96-year-old Khandallah Pool an $8 million upgrade in the coming years. The plan received plenty of support in the community as it was the first meaningful upgrade the facility had been granted in 60 years.

A team from Newlands College won the national Space For

Planet Earth Challenge.

The team of Jayden Kah, Anush Goel, Joshua Taefu, John Zhang, Nitya Chatla and Jihye Moon looked at improving the environmental impact on coral.

The Space for Planet Earth Challenge. aims to battle the ongoing climate emergency, intervening to save the world.

The prize was $10,000 in cash and $15,000 in vouchers as well as a Mars-Moon Astronautics scholarship

This year’s task was to use satellite technology to improve monitoring coral health changes.

A lack of lifeguards across the capital also affected swimming hours at local pools over the summer which was a bi-product of the pandemic.

A new mural was produced for Pukehuia Newlands Skatepark.

MARCH

Work began on the new Te Karoria space in Karori.

The building has been in the planning and development stage since 2012 when earthquakes first made their existing hall space unusable.

Te Kor ria will provide counselling services from purposedesigned rooms in partnership with Mind Health.

The building is set to be completed early next year.

Long-serving Johnsonville policeman Stu Rowe was honoured for 30 years of dedication to the community.

Zealandia launched a massive fundraising campaign to continue their conservation work.

March also saw several sports and community groups help hospitality spots in North Wellington by working shifts for businesses struggling with staff illness during the pandemic.

Construction began on the Karori Town Centre upgrade. It was completed in November.

In a story typical of the Covid-19 pandemic, after almost two years of daily phone calls across the world, Karori auto technician Tajinder Singh was reunited with his new bride, Navjot, after

Covid put 12,000 kilometres between them just weeks after their marriage in Northern India on 16 February, 2020.

APRIL

Karori firefighter Michael Lagatule, 32, was presented with the Top Recruit award for consistently displaying outstanding skills, leadership and mana throughout the national training course.

Karori resident Debbie Bidlake began a one woman mission to beautify her Montgomery Avenue area and the large, ugly water reservoir. The project is ongoing.

Onslow College’s Penny Kinsella received the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for her dedication to the sport. It is one of New Zealand Cricket’s highest honours.

Second Fridays of the month: 11am-12 noon at Khandallah Hall and 1-2pm at Karori Community Centre, commencing 13 January; 10 February; 10 March and 14 April.

Council spending is out of control. In the first (and last) council meeting convened by Mayor Whanau, the public were excluded from information about an extra half billion dollars of council expenditure.

We are responsible to ratepayers and you deserve to know. I didn’t agree with you being excluded and voted accordingly. You have a right to know why council voted by majority to exclude you from discussion about buying an existing car park building, spending so much on the Frank Kitts Park play area, adding further millions to the central library budget over and above the existing $189 million limit, (raising it to over $200m), and levying you, on top of your ever increasing rates bill, for building a sludge plant for over $400 million.

Come and tell me your views and in the meantime, have a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Zealandia launched a massive fundraising campaign to continue their conservation work.

Councillor Ray Chung

A piece of Karori’s Wrights Hill Fortress history was returned 62 years after it captured the eye of a seven-year-old boy.

Chris Fleming and his Dad, Alan, found a large steel nut from the No 2 Gun, while exploring the area one day in 1960, long after the area had been decommissioned after WWII.

Johnsonville Lions Club won the supreme award for best service project of all Lions Clubs in New Zealand for their fundraising efforts with the new Wellington Children’s Hospital.

Johnsonville’s Ray Harkness has been recognised for his contribution to search and rescue at the annual NZ Search and Rescue Awards at Government House.

Ray was recognised for more than 20 years of dedicated service as a volunteer, both as a search team member with Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR), and for providing vital radio communication networks as a member of Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC).

Johnsonville’s Chris Lam Sam won Best Children’s Music Video at the New Zealand Children’s Music Awards.

JUNE

Kai Kitchen was the big winner at the Tawa Civic Awards.

Samuel Marsden Collegiate old girl Dr Diana Sarfati was named Acting Director-General of Health and Chief Executive, Ministry of Health.

St Peter and Paul’s Church in Johnsonville celebrated 100 years.

Karori Rotary celebrated 40 years.

JULY

Patrizia Vieno and Rod Clutton of Rewa Rewa Station were named 2022 Regional Supreme Winners in the Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Karori’s Friday Meulengracht-Madsen personal touch in his latest artistic endeavour saw him named a finalist for the nationally recognised Parkin Prize.

Johnsonville’s Brooke Pou was named as the recipient of the 2022 Liz Stringer Curatorial Internship at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te P enga Whakaata.

AUGUST

Newlands College’s Joshua Taefu enjoyed his experience as Ohariu’s Youth MP.

Johnsonville Market closed as it looked for a new location which it still is searching for. It was a blow for the community.

The Taniwha cricket club trained for more than 24 hours to raise funds for North Wellington charity, Swan Nest.

A sports hub for Ian Galloway Park was mooted by Diane Calvert.

SEPTEMBER

Ohariu MP, Greg O’Connor was named Deputy Speaker of the House.

Wadestown Toastmaster Rob Julian celebrated 50 years as a Toastmasters.

Samuel Marsden student Charlie Fitzgerald earned a Balance Agri Nutrients Sustainable Agricultural Award.

Onslow resident Judy Siers earned an Absolutely Positively Wellington Award for her community service.

Newlands firefighter Andrew Knox was given an Australian National Emergency medal for his efforts during the 2020 Australian Bushfires.

OCTOBER

Grenada welcomed the opening of the NZ Post Super Depot.

Karori’s Tony Williams walked the length of New Zealand to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders.

There waschange at the top and change in the northern suburbs after the 2022 council elections.

Ray Chung is the new councillor in Wharangi/Onslow-Western ward joining the returning duo of Rebecca Matthews and Diane Calvert.

Meanwhile, it is a brand new trio in the

There

Takap Northern Ward with Tony Randle, Ben McNulty and John Apanowicz all first-time councillors.

Tory Whanau has convincingly won the Wellington mayoralty.

NOVEMBER

An Onslow College trio scooped a national short-film competition honour.

Year 13 students Pepi Olliver-Bell, Louise Gromme and Waimarie Carter won the OnScreen nationwide short-film competition.

Johnsonville’s St John’s Anglican Church celebrated 175 years.

There were 13 Kiwi released into the Makara Hills in a landmark project.

Kiwi Community Assistance won the Supreme Award at the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.

The Independent Herald celebrated 50 years serving the North Wellington community.

DECEMBER

Karori’s Chemistry Gin won a gold medal at the women’s Wine and Spirit Awards.

Khandallah Medical Centre nurse Sally Ross retired after decades on the frontlines helping people with diabetes.

The Johnsonville Christmas Parade returned after a two-year absence.

Karori’s Tony Williams walked the length of New Zealand to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders.

Newlands College’s Joshua Taefu enjoyed his experience as Ohariu’s Youth MP.

Year 13 students Pepi Olliver-Bell, Louise Gromme and Waimarie Carter won the OnScreen nationwide short-film competition.

Johnsonville’s Chris Lam Sam won Best Children’s Music Video at the New Zealand Children’s Music Awards.

were 13 Kiwi released into the Makara Hills in a landmark project.

Anna-Rose finds her rhythm

Meet Anna-Rose, rhythm guitarist, poet and Metlink bus driver

“I have my work rhythms,” is an apt choice of words for Anna-Rose Carpenter, a 28-year-old rhythm guitarist, poet, songwriter, and recently employed Metlink bus driver in Johnsonville and Newlands.

She starts each shift by tying a small bouquet of artificial flowers to the driver console, a simple touch to add a splash of colour but as AnnaRose recalls, it also adds smiles to passengers’ faces.

“Since I started around seven months ago, I’ve received a few hundred compliments already. For only six dollars, it’s really shown its value!”

From Anna-Rose’s hometown of Pukekohe to P neke, it’s working with people that has drawn AnnaRose to bus driving.

“I’m a self- diagnosed extrovert,” she declares. “I love meeting new people.”

“It can be a little lonely if the bus is quiet so it makes my day if one of my passengers will sit up the front and chat away with me.”

Her sociable nature has been lifelong, but it was Anna-Rose’s role in conservation earlier this year where she discovered a fondness for driving large vehicles.

“I loved the challenge of handling four-wheel drives, but I’d wanted to move back to Wellington for a long time. So when I began looking for work here, I thought ‘well, where

else can you combine driving bigger vehicles and interacting with so many different people than on the city’s bus network?’

“Once I started, it became my mission to give each passenger on my bus a positive experience, whether that’s offering my arm to help someone on or off or simply giving them a smile.

“Some days I can really feel the mood of the bus shift - I like to think that this positivity is carried through to their friends and family and encourages more people to choose the bus as a transport option, or even to consider applying to be a driver themselves!

“For me, getting a heavy vehicle licence is a life skill I’m grateful to have and something I’m really proud of. I don’t know where my life will take me, but I will always be able to tell people that I drove buses in a city with some pretty difficult turns, narrow streets, and steep hills”.

Anna-Rose says she’s still learning when it comes to driving buses, she’s currently going for her class four licence which will allow her to drive double deckers. With each lesson taken on board, however, there continues to be a common denominator, her passengers.

“In the drivers’ seat, I’m braced for the next bump or corner ahead. They’re not, they’re simply focused on their day ahead, be it a first date, job interview or just heading home to make dinner. They’re in my care

and I want them to be as comfortable as possible.”

When not behind the wheel of a 12-tonne vehicle, Anna-Rose’s trusty green acoustic guitar quickly becomes the vehicle for her connection with people.

“I used to travel by bus all the time as a student, and it was often the place where I’d start to write poetry. I’ve always found the motion of the bus and the time to look at landscapes out the window a calming and inspiring thing. Even now, as the driver, it gives me to time to be mindful and reflect on lyrics in my head.”

Using her grandmother’s name, Rosina, as her stage name, AnnaRose sings and plays guitar in the band, Rosina & The Weavers.

With the band preparing to record an album early next year, Anna-Rose jokes she’s the perfect bandmate, able to perform and also drive the tour bus.

In the meantime, it’s the work rhythms that Anna is focusing on, employment she regrets not taking up during her student days.

“For current students, I’d tell them that I wish I’d thought to work as a driver when I was at Massey. Being able to drive a few mornings during the week and then enjoy a free weekend would have been much preferable to dragging myself out of bed for a whole day of work in hospitality every Saturday.

It’s help that is needed. The na-

tional bus driver shortage has left Metlink shy of about 120 drivers to operate its full timetable. The resulting cancellations are a source of aggravation for passengers but true to form, Anna-Rose remains positive.

“People are rightly frustrated when their bus is cancelled, and I absolutely understand that. I’m

confident there are people out there willing to give driving a go and that we will be able to recruit more drivers.

“In the meantime, I’m going to continue to try and make as many people’s trips on my bus a positive one.

“It’s my work rhythm and I enjoy it, why would I change it?”

Metlink welcomes half price extension

Metlink has welcomed the Government’s extension of half price public transport fares until the end of March 2023.

The extension, announced by Transport Minister Michael Wood, is part of the Government’s ongoing investments in public transport and mode-shift and the transition to its Community Connect scheme.

Metlink General Manager Samantha Gain said the half price fares extension would enable passengers to ready themselves for the eventual go live date for the Community Connect scheme which permanently reduces public transport fares for Community Services Card (CSC) holders by 50 percent.

“In the lead up to the launch of Community Connect, our Metlink teams will be working with communities to ensure there is easy access to the discounts. It is very important to our team to reduce any barriers CSC holders might have to accessing public transport in our region.

“With about 90,000 CSC holders

in the Wellington region, Metlink is working hard to ensure they’ll continue to have easy access to half price fares when the scheme rolls out,” says Samantha Gain.

As well as community engagement and a full range of communications to help promote the scheme next year, an online portal is being developed so CSC holders

can register their Snapper cards before the discounts go live.

Once a passenger has registered the CSC discount to their Snapper card the discounts will be automatically applied any time they travel using their Snapper card on all Metlink buses and trains. This is now expected to come into effect from 1 April 2023.

Anna-Rose Carpenter, is a 28-year-old rhythm guitarist, poet, songwriter, and recently employed Metlink bus driver in Johnsoville and Newlands.

Be part of the Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up 2023

Grab a sack and gloves and be part of the fifth Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up this summer with Wellington Museum and Sustainable Coastlines.

The annual event will be held from 12 noon to 2.30pm on Friday 27 January in 2023 and aims to draw attention to harbour pollution and clean up the area from Kumutoto Stream to the diving platform near Te Papa.

Experience Wellington Public Programmes Specialist Nell Thomas says Wellington Museum, housed in the 130-year-old historic Bond Store, is deeply connected to Wellington Harbour.

“Wellington Museum connects people to stories of our harbour and our city. Our annual waterfront clean-up offers our community an

opportunity to come together and take positive action for their immediate environment.

“As a former bond store, then maritime museum in an amazing waterfront location, we feel a strong connection and responsibility towards the harbour.”

Last year the clean-up, always held on a Friday to give workers the opportunity to take part in their lunch break, collected 4,000 litres of litter.

Organisers are hoping for a clean-up crew of 100 people and encouraging people to register to take part. The event kicks off outside the main entrance of Wellington Museum and rubbish sacks and gloves will be provided.

Ghost Diving NZ will be making the most of the day to carry out an underwater clean-up at the same time.

Modern Commedia play wins University scriptwriting prize

A full-length theatre play giving traditional Commedia dell’Arte a modern spin has been awarded the 2022 David Carson-Parker Embassy Prize in Scriptwriting at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML).

Written by Ella Yiannett as part of her 2022 Master of Arts folio at the IIML, the stageplay Dumbshow is described by its examiners as “a highly theatrical means of exploring our search through roles and rebellion to find out who we are” and “a fantastic, accomplished, and deeply layered piece of work that is fun, tragic, and inventive with great writing”.

The prize was named in honour

of the late David Carson-Parker, who established the prize to support the Master of Arts (Scriptwriting). It continues to be supported by David’s partner Jeremy Commons through the University’s Development Office. The $5,000 prize is awarded annually to an outstanding Master of Arts (Scriptwriting) student at the IIML.

Dumbshow takes stock commedia clowning characters and turns their world upside down as traditional romantic lines are crossed, roles are questioned, and death is confronted in a frantic and comic scramble for the meaning of life.

“The IIML is a hugely special place—for me having nine months focussed on working hard at the

thing I love, with lots of brilliant brains around me, was the biggest privilege,” Ella says.

“I can be a bit of a chaotic writer—no planning over here—which I thought might get quashed, but instead I was told it was perfectly valid and shown how to hone everything from there. The overriding message was always to write and be myself, whilst being given the tools to elevate my craft.”

An examiner of the winning script wrote: “I love the play’s darkly funny tone, evocative and inspirational set descriptions and design challenges which I can visualise resulting in a very beautiful and stylish show”.

Fellow Master of Arts student

Kyan Krumdieck has won the Brad McGann Film Writing Award for his feature film script Comrade Andrei.

Named in honour of the late Brad McGann (writer/director of In My Father’s Den), the award is worth $4,000.

Comrade Andrei is an odd-couple drama set in post-earthquake Christchurch featuring the burgeoning relationship between Ollie, who is trying to find his feet in a shaky world, and Andrei, an undercover Russian spy.

Examiners described Comrade Andrei as a “an inventive daring and original story dealing with important themes” and “moving, touching, gripping, and suspense-

ful”.

“I’ve had this story rattling about for over a decade,” Kyan says. “Ken [Duncum], director of scriptwriting at the IIML, and my classmates helped me finally dig deep, work out what the hell to do with it, and bring it to life in ways I never could have without this supportive environment.

“For a long time I think I’ve approached screenwriting as a means to an end. Getting to actually focus on the craft of writing for an entire year, writing for the passion of it, has made me a bit of a born again writer. You still won’t be able to keep me off set, but I’d say my emphasis is now much more on the Writer in Writer-Director.”

The fifth Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up this summer with Wellington Museum and Sustainable Coastlines will be held from 12 noon to 2.30pm on Friday 27 January.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)

When you think of blood pressure, think of water in a hosepipe. A certain amount of pressure is required to get water from a hosepipe so in the same way it’s important for us to have blood pressure so that blood can be circulated around our body.

The first published measurement of blood pressure was made in the 18th century, although it wasn’t until about a hundred years later that it was suggested that high blood pressure could be the cause of disease. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension may eventually cause health problems such as heart disease, stroke, heart failure and kidney failure.

During the course of the day our blood pressure goes up and down depending on a number of things, including what we are doing, how busy or how stressed we are, our physical activity and also the amount of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco being taken.

Therefore when measuring blood pressure it means that several readings may need to be taken.

People are considered to have high blood pressure when repeated measurements show a raised reading above a certain level and stays at a higher level even when they are relaxed and sitting quietly.

The problem with high blood pressure is that often people do not experience any symptoms at all and feel quite well, until the blood pressure is very high and causing other health issues. This is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

This can be done by your pharmacist, doctor or nurse. Blood pressure should be measured at least once a year if you are over 40 years of age, or more often if you already have high blood pressure.

There is no such thing as one “normal” blood pressure measurement, but there

is a range which is considered desirable. When your blood pressure is measured two readings will be obtained. If the lower of these two readings (the diastolic pressure) is greater than 90, then treatment may be recommended.

The upper reading (systolic pressure) is usually over 100, but varies and usually increases with age. A few people with early-stage hypertension may experience dull headaches, dizzy spells or nosebleeds.

However these symptoms generally don’t occur until hypertension has reached an advanced stage. The only way a person can find out if their blood pressure is high is by having it tested regularly.

For 90-95% of adults with high blood pressure, the cause is not known and high blood pressure tends to gradually develop over many years.

Some people are at higher risk of high blood pressure because of their age, their race and their family history, all risk factors which cannot be changed. However there are other risk factors which can be changed and these include being overweight, doing very little exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, salt intake and stress.

High blood pressure can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. For all of us this means a healthy lifestyle and for some it also means taking medicines as well.

There are a number of different medicines currently available and these medicines generally have to be taken every day on a regular basis and it is important not to miss taking any of them.

If you are unsure about your blood pressure or any of your blood pressure medications then talk to your Self Care pharmacist and get your Self Care card on High Blood Pressure. It may be a good idea to get your blood pressure checked at the same time.

Dog owners reminded to ‘know before you go’ this summer

As the holiday season approaches and people make their way to New Zealand’s iconic beaches and national parks, the Department of Conservation is reminding people with dogs to do their research before setting out.

“Going on adventures with your dog is a great way to stay active and enjoy nature,” says Laura Boren, Science Advisor at DOC.

“We want people to get outside and enjoy the summer, but to do it responsibly.”

DOC Rangers across the country report poor behaviour involving dogs - such as dogs attacking wildlife or people taking dogs where they aren’t allowed - is the most common compliance issue throughout the summer months.

“One potentially confusing thing is rules for dogs vary across the country,” says Laura.

“For instance, dogs are never allowed in national parks or on offshore island reserves, but they are permitted on certain walking tracks or campsites.

“The coastline can be even more confusing as rules can change seasonally, depending on breeding cycles for seabirds and other animals.”

If you’re headed somewhere new find out of it is dog-friendly before arriving. DOC has a “dogs allowed” tick box on its website allowing visitors to filter for dog friendly areas, and local council websites contain information on regional beaches and walking tracks.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dog management,” says Laura. “This is why

it’s crucial to do your homework.”

DOC’s Lead the Way programme offers other tips to help dog owners be responsible around wildlife, including a quiz which verifies dog owners as “wildlife-wise” and allows them to purchase a colour-coded lead which signals the temperament of their dog.

“Being wildlife-wise means you know the steps to protect coastal wildlife, such as walking on the wet sand, scanning the area ahead for wildlife, and staying at least 20 meters from any wildlife. It’s amazing how much a seal or sea lion can look like a piece of driftwood when it’s resting on the beach,” says Laura.

“Above all, when you’re out walking, stay present with your dog and aware of their behaviour. It increases your connection with them and allows you to anticipate any possible trouble.”

Coastal species such as korora/little penguin and kekeno/NZ fur seals are commonly attacked by dogs. Even seemingly harmless interactions, such as dogs chasing gulls, can distress birds enough to abandon nests or stop feeding chicks.

Infringement fines can range from $200 to $800 or a court prosecution, depending on the offence. In some cases where dogs have attacked native wildlife, courts have ordered the dogs to be put down.

“Nobody wants that to be part of their summer,” says Laura. “A bit of preparation can go a long way to keeping everyone safe this summer.”

Career in Real Estate? YIP!

With Team YIP’s growing commitment to delivering the best possible real estate experience in our community, we are looking for our next Real Estate Superstar to join our high performing work family.

Real Estate isn’t a sales career, it isn’t just about marketing or negotiations – it is all about helping people make their buying and selling journey as easy as possible. We solve problems, provide support and guide people through their biggest financial transaction.

In today’s changing market, we believe buyers and seller deserve more, we strive to invest more resources to ensure our clients continue to get an industry leading experience to help them navigate through this market.

Through our comprehensive process, we’ve managed to thrive in this market

and ensure more of our clients get sold by going that extra 10 miles! As we operate the largest sales team in the area, extensive database, and portfolio of houses, you will have the best environment to grow!

If you are someone who lives to help others, loves solving problems, works hard to do their absolute best, then... YIP! We want you!

Team YIP provides an extensive team of support staff, training and all resources paid for, so you can simply focus on doing an exceptional job. Plus! We have a lot of fun along the way!

If you would like to know more about the Team YIP way of doing Real Estate, we would love the opportunity to interview for the job of looking after your real estate career!

Get in touch, love to hear from you!

The Department of Conservation is reminding people with dogs to do their research before setting out these holidays.

Maori Battalion families receive war medals

The wh au of 24 M ri Battalion

soldiers who fought in World War II have received their medals at a ceremony in Upper Hutt.

Four senior New Zealand Army Officers presented medals to w au, which recognise the service and sacrifice of soldiers and officers of the 28 (Maori) Battalion.

Minister of Defence Peeni Henare also attended the ceremony, at Whirinaki Whare Taonga, and presented medals.

Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, said the ceremony was a chance to recognise those soldiers from 28 (Maori) Battalion who had left their homes to fight for New Zealand.

“This is a significant day to honour the service and sacrifice of those soldiers from 28 (Maori) Battalion all those years ago.

“It’s also an opportunity to recognise the mana they brought to themselves, to their families, the New Zealand Army and New Zealand.”

Colonel Trevor Walker has been responsible for coordinating ceremonies on behalf of the NZ Army and said each ceremony was subtly different.

“At other locations, the Company affiliation was clear. Here in Upper Hutt we had family members from all over the motu.”

New Zealand Government policy after World War II was that former service personnel would have to apply for their medals, which would then be sent to them through the post.

This was to avoid the problems experienced after World War I, when about 10 percent of medals posted to ex-service personnel or their families were returned because of out-of-date address information.

For a variety of reasons, many World War II veterans did not claim their medals.

NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals worked with David Stone, from Te Mata Law, regarding the unclaimed medals of 28 (Maori) Battalion.

“The team from NZDF archives are the unsung heroes of this kaupapa. They reviewed thousands of files to determine who had received medals and who were yet to claim,” Colonel Walker said.

Similar ceremonies have been held in Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Burnham and Rotorua. Another event will be held at Waitangi in 2023.

The families of the men who never claimed their medals are entitled to apply for them through the New Zealand Defence Force Personnel Archives and Medals Office.

The whānau of 24 Māori Battalion soldiers who fought in World War II have received their medals at a ceremony conducted at Whirinaki Whare Taonga in Upper Hutt.

Female construction grads snapped up by the sector

from Whitireia and WelTec’s School of Construction and Trades were recently celebrated by friends and w nau at a year-end graduation event in Petone. For most of the students, paid work had already started earlier that week, with significant demand from construction companies for work-ready starters.

Laila Wyllie, a carpentry graduate from this year, has already secured a project coordinator role on a construction project in Christchurch for a Government department.

Prior to enrolling at WelTec, Laila had been at a desk job doing project coordination, but had always loved working with her hands and liked the idea of construction.

“I have done project coordination in an office context and wanted to put this experience to work on a construction site, but knew I needed some sector experience so enrolled in the trades at WelTec,” says Laila.

“The tutors here are so knowledgeable and my advice to any students is, make the most of your time here and ask lots of questions as the tutors have great

experience.”

Laila has aspirations for project management in construction and encourages other female students to think about the sector as a pathway to exciting careers.

Toni Wade, who graduated with a level 3 certificate in plastering, has also jumped straight from her study into employment.

While raising her children Toni had done work in hospitality, and services such as cleaning and childcare, but wanted to move away from these areas and learn a skill that could earn her more money for the family.

Toni enrolled in plastering and is excited to be starting her new job on-site in central Wellington plastering in a multi-level high rise building for Quick Start Plastering.

“Thanks to an introduction by the tutors at WelTec, I did work experience at Quick Start while I was studying this year, and that has been key to securing a permanent position,” says Toni. “I was extremely nervous when I first started the work experience at Quick Start and I really doubted myself. I had

For most of the students, paid work had already started earlier that week, with significant demand from construction companies for work-ready starters.

never done plastering before, and I was so worried I would get things wrong. But the tutors at WelTec were extremely supportive and encouraging, and it is really thanks to their belief in me that I stuck it out, got the work experience, and now the

full-time job.”

Toni now only has a teenager at home and feels proud that she has been a role model to her daughter. “I have walked the talk and proven that if you stick with your goals, you can make anything happen.”

With Jacob Page

Spark goes dark, opportunity missed

Spark Sport’s demise has come as a shock to some and an early Christmas present to many.

For Formula One and football fans, there seemed to be some sadness while cricket fans, the sport which Spark Sport was built on, rejoiced.

Ultimately, Spark Sport could not gain the foothold in the psyche of sports fans to remain relevant and ultimately commercially viable.

TVNZ has brokered a deal to take the cricket coverage for the foreseeable future.

The move will thrill those of an older age who struggled to stream Spark Sport or were simply overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to stream something, that they never tried.

It is also a win for Sky, which essentially gets its sports monopoly back.

Competition is always a good thing, however, Spark Sport’s efforts of covering national sport, I’m talking cricket and rugby world cups, always fell short.

I won’t miss having to flick between Sky and Spark to watch multiple sports at the same time, it was clunky.

Spark’s cricket coverage, in my view, was boring and bland. It was too similar to what Sky

had always offered and did not have the voice of cricket in New Zealand, Ian Smith, in the commentary box.

Spark Sport did have more female voices in cricket which is overall a good thing despite many being average at best in the role.

Maybe Spark Sport was too much too soon.

Either way, they never won over with their product.

They came in with the public clambering for an alternative to Sky and yet, they managed to screw it up.

Sky now has a chance to renew some relationships with the public.

Spark Sport showed them they can no longer rest on their laurels.

Sky must evolve with their customers. If they don’t, there could be more trouble for them in the future.

Sport thrives in 2022

By Jacob Page

North Wellington athletes, administrators and clubs continued to impress locally, nationally and internationally this year.

We take a look back at the sporting year that was.

JANUARY

Johnsonville bowls duo Naki Nehemia and Nairn MacGibben won the Taranaki Pairs event.

Johnsonville cricketers made the the Ewen Chatfield 50-over final but for the second straight season, came up short.

FEBRUARY

Samuel Marsden Collegiate 2021 Dux Ruby Barten was accepted to Yale University to run track for the Yale Bulldogs.

The renovations to Tawa Squash’s courts continued as the club put in a much awaited fourth court.

Johnsonville off spinner Kevin Weerasundara was the leading wicket-taker at the national under-19 tournament. Kevin has since transferred to Karori this season.

Davor Tavich arrived at North Wellington FC to take charge of the first XI and player development.

MARCH

Karori athlete Max Abbot claimed two medals at the New Zealand Track and Field Championships in Hasting.

Max won gold in the under-20 discus, successfully defending his 2021 title.

He also won a silver medal in the under-20 hammer throw and came fourth in the under-20 shot put.

Onslow’s Sam Cooper made the New Zealand Ultimate team for the first time.

APRIL

Johnsonville claimed back-toback Pearce Cup two-day cricket titles after the pandemic stopped the season early with Johnsonville leading the way.

Onslow College rower Allegra Leonard provided the golden moment for her school at the Maadi Cup National Secondary Schools’ regatta on Lake Ruataniwha near Twizel.

Allegra won the Under-16 girls single sculls title in dominant

fashion to record Onslow’s first ever gold medal at the regatta.

Johnsonville batter Devan Vishvaka and bowler Kevin Weerasundara each received Wellington Cricket end of season awards.

Johnsonville’s Olympic Harriers runner, Will Anthony made the New Zealand Under-20s team for the World Championships.

MAY

Johnsonville Hawks ended a two decade drought when they beat Marist St Pats in the Swindale Shield.

JUNE Will Anthony was selected for the Oceania Championships in Queensland.

Samuel Marsden Collegiate netballer Sarah Guiney was one of 20 athletes named in Aotearoa M ri Netball’s 2022 Secondary School Squad.

Samuel Marsden Collegiate swimmer Molly Player was one of

23 swimmers picked for the New Zealand team to compete at the Junior Pan Pacific Games.

Karori sprinter Liam Webb, a current member of the Kiwi Athletic Club showed his talents at the Oceania Championships at McKay.

He finished second in the 400m final to earn a silver medal.

JULY

The Johnsonville Hawks premier rugby season came to an end with a Hardham Cup loss to Wainuiomata.

The Johnsonville Terrahawks under-85kg rugby team won the JC Bowl after a near-perfect campaign.

The Onslow Tui under-12 football team defended their Christchurch International Cup.

AUGUST

The Capital BMX track at Ian Galloway Park got a much needed upgrade.

Sarah Quiney was picked for the New Zealand Secondary School team.

Olympic Harriers runner Toby Gualter finished fourth at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships.

Onslow College’s Jordan Keene earned a gold medal at the North Island Secondary School Championships.

The Terrahawks capped their one-loss season by winning the Division One Paul Potiki final.

SEPTEMBER

Jordan Keene earned a national junior singles indoor bowls title.

The Samuel Marsden Collegiate underwater hockey team won the national secondary schools’ title.

Onslow College footballer Theo Ettema made the New Zealand under-19 football team.

Rick Mudgway was made a life member of the Johnsonville Cricket Club.

OCTOBER

North Wellington duo Olivia Ingham and Lara Smith were named in the under-17 New Zealand team for the football World Cup in India.

Johnsonville rugby captain. Ha’amea Ahio made it back into the Wellington Lions team after a five year absence.

Karori’s Kiwi Athletics Club celebrated 96 years.

NOVEMBER

Scott Mudgway became the alltime leading run scorer for Johnsonville Cricket Club.

Penny Kinsella was confirmed to the New Zealand Cricket board.

DECEMBER

The weather played havoc with the summer sports earlier this month.

Cricket, tennis and bowls all had multiple washouts.

Ryan Lee’s selection in the New Zealand under-17 football team after a strong Central League campaign, was a genuine highlight.

Rick Mudgway was made a life member of the Johnsonville Cricket Club.

Jordan Keene earned a national junior singles indoor bowls title.

The Johnsonville Terrahawks under-85kg rugby team won the JC Bowl after a near-perfect campaign.

North Wellington duo Olivia Ingham and Lara Smith were named in the under-17 New Zealand team for the football World Cup in India.

Johnsonville batter Devan Vishvaka and bowler Kevin Weerasundara each received Wellington Cricket end of season awards.